School Buses from September 2020

KCC have released the following statement about hired transport and local buses taking children to school in September. If your child is due to catch either the Arriva bus number 286 or Nu-Venture bus number 282, it's worth calling to check these bus companies' individual travel plans. These aren't the only school buses that run in Speldhurst parish but they are the main ones.

To contact Arriva, call 0344 800 44 11
To contact Nu-Venture, call 01622 882288

Kent County Council Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport Michael Payne said: “We know parents need certainty on transport arrangements for schools returning in September and as soon as government gives us that detailed guidance, we will advise on how it will work.

“You can be assured that there will be capacity on our hired transport and local buses to take your child to school safely.

“Behind the scenes we have been working with bus operators to ensure that our services are provided in accordance with the guidance, ensuring there will be enough room whether you take a taxi, bus or coach to school.

“If we need to hire more vehicles to keep people safe, we will do so.

“There are also plans being worked on to make a number of local bus services that operate on school days, which would normally carry children using a Kent Travel Saver Card, ‘school only’ buses, thereby restricting access.

“We have asked our local bus operators to make sure, as part of social distancing, that there is no standing on buses and face coverings for those over 11 and without an exemption are required.

“On these local buses, our operators have been and continue to work to government guidance, so there is social distancing on buses alongside a range of other measures.

“If you view operator websites, many have videos which show you the cleaning regime they do to make travel as safe as possible.”

KCC Cabinet Member for Education and Skills Richard Long added: “For those who normally purchase a Kent Travel Saver Card, if you don’t feel happy to purchase one now, we have committed to provide a pro-rata cost pass, once government guidance on social distancing changes fully.

“Although August 9 is the deadline for Kent Travel Saver Card, to guarantee it for first day of term, be assured if you apply after this date, we will endeavour to get a pass out to you as soon as we can.

“Since the coronavirus pandemic started, we have had a transport protocol in place for operators who provide our bespoke hired transport, which clearly sets out the safety measures they need to take to keep your child safe.

“For the hired transport we ask parents to follow the same as local buses - face covering for those over 11 and without exemption.

“We recommend it for younger children, if its ok for them to wear them and they are happy to do so.”